Skip to main content
Back

Periodic Trend: Atomic Radius (Simplified) definitions

Control buttons has been changed to "navigation" mode.
1/14
  • Atomic Radius
    Distance from the center of the nucleus to the outermost electron shell, indicating the overall size of an atom.
  • Nucleus
    Central region of an atom containing protons and neutrons, responsible for most of the atom's mass.
  • Proton
    Positively charged particle found within the nucleus, contributing to the atom's identity and charge.
  • Neutron
    Neutral particle located in the nucleus, adding to atomic mass but not affecting charge.
  • Valence Shell
    Outermost electron shell of an atom, determining chemical reactivity and atomic radius.
  • Electron Shell
    Energy level surrounding the nucleus where electrons are likely to be found.
  • Group
    Vertical column on the periodic table where elements share similar properties and electron shell patterns.
  • Period
    Horizontal row on the periodic table, indicating elements with the same number of electron shells.
  • Transition Metal
    Element found in the central block of the periodic table, often showing unpredictable atomic radius trends.
  • Periodic Trend
    Predictable pattern observed in element properties as one moves across or down the periodic table.
  • Electron
    Negatively charged particle occupying shells around the nucleus, influencing atomic size and reactivity.
  • Attraction
    Force drawing electrons toward the nucleus, affecting the size of the atomic radius.
  • Top Right Corner
    Region of the periodic table where elements typically have the smallest atomic radii.
  • Exception
    Case where a general trend does not apply, often due to unique electron arrangements.